Booktalking "Life is But a Dream" by Brian James

dream

Sabrina hears and sees things that are invisible to other people. These experiences are what drives her parents to admit her to the euphemistically named "Wellness Center." There, nurses fill her body up with pills, and the psychiatrists fill her mind with advice and talk, talk, talk.

The girl finds a kindred spirit in Alec. Alec has been admitted since he shocked the teachers and kids at his school by suggesting that it would be good if they were killed. Alec does not see the problem with this. Sabrina was upset that he did not tell her about this earlier, but she revels in his company, and he seems different from the other kids there, many of whom are completely unresponsive to her overtures. The two find solace in each other against the rules of the Center.

Memories of childhood friend, Kayleigh, float through Sabrina's brain at regular intervals. She also thinks about her parents, Dr. Richards, and how her life differs from those of others.

Life is But a Dream by Brian James, 2012